Canada’s Loveliest Wedding Venues of 2014

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A wedding venue is more than just a structure with four walls and a roof–it’s the place where memories are created and also plays a pivotal role in the story of two unique personalities coming together.

Often, selecting the perfect venue involves finding a space that suits your needs, creates the right atmosphere, and has that certain je ne sais quoi. But, with hundreds of venues to choose from, deciding on where to hold your event (let alone where to look!) is arguably one of the hardest decisions in the planning process. Luckily, here in Canada there are endless options for you to choose from, whether you’re hosting an outdoor rustic wedding or a luxe, intimate affair.

From the mountainous coasts of British Columbia to the eastern shores of Newfoundland and Labrador, we’ve rounded up 30 of our favourite wedding venues that are guaranteed to create memories that will last a lifetime.

<strong>PAINTED ROCK ESTATE WINERY</strong><br />
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<strong>Where:</strong> Penticton, British Columbia<br />
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<strong>What:</strong> This lovely property overlooks the shores of Skaha Lake and is home to a famous winery and vineyard. <br />
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<strong>Capacity:</strong> Up to 150<br />
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<strong>Why We Love It:</strong> What better place to host a wine and canapé reception than in the tasting room? For a picturesque view of the hillside and vineyards take your reception outside. Whichever setting you choose, you are guaranteed an amazing wine selection.<br />
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<strong>Website:</strong> <a href="http://www.paintedrock.ca/"target=_blank">paintedrock.ca</a>

<strong>TIGH-NA-MARA</strong><br />
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<strong>Where:</strong> Parksville, British Columbia<br />
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<strong>What:</strong> With a name that translates to “House by the Sea” in Gaelic, this seaside resort boasts an enviable location on Rathtrevor Beach with 22-forested acres of land.<br />
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<strong>Capacity:</strong> Up to 300<br />
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<strong>Why We Love It:</strong> With 192 rooms and 12 banquet spaces, you won’t have to worry about options at this seaside property. Tigh-Na-Mara's seaside gazebo is an especially beautiful ceremony spot. Wind down after your celebration with treatments at the Grotto Spa and lunch at the Treetop Tapas & Grill, which is reserved exclusively for robed spa guests! <br />
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<strong>Website:</strong> <a href="http://tigh-na-mara.com/"target=_blank">tigh-na-mara.com</a>

<strong>THE FAIRMONT HOTEL MACDONALD</strong><br />
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<strong>Where:</strong> Edmonton, Alberta<br />
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<strong>What:</strong> Lovingly referred to by locals as “The Mac”, this fairytale chateau was built in 1912 and modeled after 16th century French castles. <br />
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<strong>Capacity:</strong> Up to 300<br />
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<strong>Why We Love It:</strong> Overlooking the North Saskatchewan River valley, this historic property once played host to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. With five event rooms to choose from, consider an intimate reception in the Wedgewood room or a larger celebration in the Empire Ballroom, equipped with a 21-foot ceiling and its own private terrace. <br />
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<strong>Website:</strong> <a href="http://www.fairmont.com/macdonald-edmonton/"target=_blank">fairmont.com/macdonald-edmonton/</a><br />

<strong>ABIGAIL'S HOTEL</strong><br />
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<strong>Where:</strong> Victoria, British Columbia<br />
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<strong>What:</strong> Originally built in the 1930s, this charming bed-and-breakfast was made to resemble a heritage Tudor mansion. <br />
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<strong>Capacity:</strong> Up to 12<br />
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<strong>Why We Love It:</strong> Known for providing an intimate and cozy atmosphere, this historic gem is suited for small wedding celebrations and vow renewal ceremonies. Among its 23 unique guestrooms is a place for out-of-town guests and a luxurious honeymoon guestroom you can retreat to after your ceremony. <br />
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<strong>Website:</strong> <a href="http://www.abigailshotel.com/"target=_blank">abigailshotel.com</a><br />

<strong>BOW VALLEY RANCHE RESTAURANT </strong><br />
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<strong>Where:</strong> Calgary, Alberta<br />
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<strong>What:</strong> Built in the 19th century, this ranch was purchased by the Alberta government in the 1970s. It was renovated and re-opened in the late 1990s as a fine-dining destination.<br />
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<strong>Capacity:</strong> Up to 250<br />
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<strong>Why we love it:</strong> Located in Fish Creek Provincial Park, this is one of the most beautiful venues for an outdoor wedding in Calgary. Its Artisan Gardens boasts two-and-a-half acres of wide open space. There is also a gazebo in the park, perfect for exchanging vows. The bridal suite overlooks the gardens, and the property's wrap-around veranda is a relaxing spot for you to take in the beauty of your big day with your new hubby.<br />
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<strong>Website:</strong> <a href="http://www.bvrrestaurant.com"target=_blank">bvrrestaurant.com</a><br />
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<strong>HERITAGE PARK RAILWAY STATION<br />
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<strong>Where:</strong> Calgary, Alberta<br />
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<strong>What:</strong> Located 20 minutes from downtown Calgary, this historic village is complete with old-timey exhibits covering topics such as 19th century fur trade and the 1950s automotive industry. The sprawling village sits on 127 acres and has been open for fifty years.<br />
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<strong>Capacity:</strong> Up to 400<br />
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<strong>Why we love it:</strong> Surrounding the lush Glenmore Reservoir, the heritage village looks onto the Rocky Mountains providing the perfect place for a beautiful outdoor ceremony. There are also a slew of options for your indoor reception. The two-storey Wainwright Hotel has a Victorian-style dining room, and the open-concept Gasoline Alley dining hall has a high cathedral ceiling filled with kitsch that will instantly wow your guests.<br />
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<strong>Website:</strong> <a href="http://www.heritagepark.ca"target=_blank">heritagepark.ca</a><br />
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<strong>Saskatoon Farmers' Market</strong><br />
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<strong>Where:</strong> Saskatoon, Saskatchewan<br />
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<strong>What:</strong> The marketplace’s tidy, minimalist vibe is is perfect for a modern celebration. Panels of windows on the ceiling let it plenty of light for beautiful reception photos.<br />
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<strong>Capacity:</strong> Up to 150<br />
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<strong>Why We Love It: </strong> The Saskatoon Farmers’ Market hosted its first wedding last summer. The spacious warehouse is perfect for long communal tables and has plenty of room for a dance floor. The marketplace has high ceilings, and looks lovely with a few simple floral arrangements. <br />
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<strong>Website:</strong> <a href="http://www.saskatoonfarmersmarket.com"target=_blank">saskatoonfarmersmarket.com</a><br />
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<strong>CASA LOMA</strong><br />
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<strong>Where:</strong> Toronto, Ontario<br />
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<strong>What:</strong> This gothic 98-room castle built by financier Sir Henry Pellatt is as beautiful inside as it is on the exterior. Lush gardens, classic sculptures and fountains recall Louis the XVI-era splendour. The interior rooms vary in style: the great hall boasts a 60-foot ceiling and sculpted pillars, the library has walls inset with intricately carved wooden bookcases and the conservatory has an Italian-marble floor. <br />
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<strong>Capacity:<br />
</strong> Up to 300<br />
The Terrace and Garden: Up to 300 indoors or 500 in an outdoor tent.<br />
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<strong>Why We Love It:</strong> For brides-to-be who grew up watching Disney princess movies, marrying your prince charming in a century-old castle is likely a dream come true. The Edwardian manor’s old-world charm has been featured in Hollywood films such as <i>Chicago</i>, <i>X-Men</i> and <i>RoboCop</i>. The airy conservatory’s checkered marble floor is a focal point and a great spot to take photographs.<br />
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<strong>Website:</strong> <a href="http://www.casaloma.org"target=_blank">casaloma.org</a><br />
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<strong>LANGDON HALL</strong><br />
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<strong>Where:</strong> Cambridge, Ontario<br />
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<strong>What:</strong> With over 25,000 square feet and 32 rooms, this country house hotel was originally intended as a summertime home, developed in contrast to the hustle and bustle of life in New York and London. <br />
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<strong>Capacity: </strong> Up to 120<br />
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<strong>Why We Love It:</strong> Planning a romantic Victorian-inspired wedding? The orchard garden is the perfect setting for a lovely ceremony or intimate cocktail reception. You can also have a bridal tea party in one of the 19th century antique dining rooms. It doesn’t get any more British than this! <br />
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<strong>Website:</strong> <a href="http://www.langdonhall.ca/Home"target=_blank">langdonhall.ca</a>

<strong>FAIRMONT ROYAL YORK</strong><br />
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<strong>Where:</strong> Toronto, Ontario<br />
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<strong>What:</strong> This luxury hotel is conveniently located steps away from the city’s top attractions and entertainment districts.<br />
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<strong>Capacity: </strong> Up to 1670<br />
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<strong>Why We Love It:</strong> With five spacious event rooms to choose from, this property offers a wealth of options. For a romantic and elegant affair, consider having a reception in one of the most photographed rooms in Toronto, the Ballroom. If you’re set on a private and exclusive celebration, the Nineteenth Floor rooms are perfect for an intimate cocktail reception or dinner. <br />
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<strong>Website:</strong> <a href="http://www.fairmont.com/royal-york-toronto/"target=_blank">fairmont.com/royal-york-toronto/</a>

<strong>GRAYDON HALL MANOR</strong><br />
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<strong>Where:</strong> Toronto, Ontario<br />
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<strong>What:</strong> Originally designed in 1936 to resemble a “sportsman’s paradise”, the west end of this English-style mansion features a 160-foot-long stone terrace and a gorgeous terrain of formal gardens.<br />
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<strong>Capacity:</strong> Up tp 400<br />
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<strong>Why We Love It:</strong> Capturing the spirit of old English country charm, the manor’s vast yet intimate garden is ideal for an outdoor reception. Be it a champagne brunch or a formal dinner, the in-house chef takes his inspiration from fresh, in-season produce. <br />
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<strong>Website:</strong> <a href="http://www.graydonhall.com/"target=_blank">graydonhall.com</a><br />

<strong>HACIENDA SARRIA</strong><br />
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<strong>Where:</strong> Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario<br />
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<strong>What:</strong> Located in the heart of Kitchener-Waterloo, this unique venue has the feel of a private European home. Its design and architecture was actually inspired by the road to Santiago de Compostela in Northern Spain.<br />
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<strong>Capacity: </strong> Up to 300<br />
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<strong>Why We Love It:</strong> Beyond the romantic atmosphere, we love a venue that offers flexibility. Declare your love in a variety of onsite ceremony locations such as the outdoor reflecting pond, indoor courtyard or ballroom. Hacienda Sarria's impressive collection of artwork and hand-crafted stone accents mean that you won't need much in the way of decor to create a sophisticated wedding space. <br />
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<strong>Website:</strong> <a href="http://www.haciendasarria.com/"target=_blank">haciendasarria.com</a>

<strong>2ND FLOOR EVENTS</strong><br />
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<strong>Where:</strong> Toronto, Ontario<br />
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<strong>What:</strong> Located in a brick and beam heritage building in the hip King West neighbourhood, this contemporary venue offers 3,000 square feet of event space. <br />
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<strong>Capacity:</strong> Up to 215<br />
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<strong>Why We Love It:</strong> With a fresh design filled with modern industrial charm, you are guaranteed to have a ceremony and reception unlike any other. Best of all, the venue is equipped with a quality sound and video system that will make planning your wedding entertainment a breeze. <br />
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<strong>Website:</strong> <a href="http://2ndfloorevents.com/#!/welcome"target=_blank">2ndfloorevents.com</a>

<strong>VIAMEDE RESORT</strong><br />
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<strong>Where:</strong> Woodview, Ontario<br />
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<strong>What:</strong> This serene lakeside resort is situated in the Kawarthas on the north shore of Stoney Lake. <br />
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<strong>Capacity:</strong> Up to 150<br />
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<strong>Why We Love It:</strong> Relive those sweet days at summer camp with your guests by indulging in fun water activities and live music at the Boathouse Pub. The resort offers beautiful locations for ceremonies, from lakeside courtyards to a 19th century chapel. <br />
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<strong>Website:</strong> <a href="http://www.viamede.com/index.htm"target=_blank">viamede.com</a>

<strong>STRATHMERE</strong><br />
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<strong>Where:</strong> Ottawa, Ontario<br />
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<strong>What:</strong> Built in the 1860s, this 200-acre property is the perfect country retreat. <br />
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<strong>Capacity:</strong> Up to 240<br />
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<strong>Why We Love It:</strong> You’ll be swept away by the fresh air, golden meadows and flower gardens surrounding the outdoor ceremony sites of all three wedding facilities. Whether you decide to walk down an outdoor aisle surrounded by 100-year-old walnut trees at the Strathmere Inn, or host a lovely reception in a large rustic barn at the Strathmere Lodge, we love the versatility of this property, which can accommodate both indoor and outdoor celebrations. <br />
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<strong>Website:</strong> <a href="http://m.strathmere.com/index.php"target=_blank">strathmere.com</a>

<strong>LA PINSONNIERE</strong><br />
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<strong>Where:</strong> Cap-à-l'Aigle, Quebec<br />
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<strong>What:</strong> Commonly described as “rustic luxe”, this lovely inn is perched above the St. Lawrence river within Quebec's Charlevoix region, a treasured UNESCO biosphere reserve site. <br />
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<strong>Capacity: </strong> Up to 125<br />
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<strong>Why We Love It:</strong> If you decide to reserve the hotel all to yourself (and you can!), you are guaranteed sweeping views of the St. Lawrence in all three event spaces. Follow an onsite nature trail leading to a rustic beach on the edge of the waters, and share a romantic walk with your betrothed after you've said your "I dos". <br />
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<strong>Website:</strong> <a href="http://www.lapinsonniere.com/"target=_blank">lapinsonniere.com</a>

<strong>FOGO ISLAND INN</strong><br />
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<strong>Where:</strong> Fogo Island, Newfoundland<br />
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<strong>What:</strong> Nestled in the Back Western Shore of Fogo Island, this 29-room luxury hotel is both a treasured piece of modern architecture, and a cultural and ecological hub for the local community. <br />
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<strong>Capacity:</strong> Up to 70 (for a minimum booking of 10 rooms for 2 nights)<br />
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<strong>Why We Love It:</strong> Suited for small, intimate weddings, the Inn is a perfect blend of natural beauty, modern artistry and local hospitality. Have your ceremony at the rooftop venue overlooking the craggy coastal shores or under the iconic stilts of the Inn. Fresh, locally foraged ingredients will be the perfect complement to a warm reception in the gathering hall. <br />
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<strong>Website:</strong> <a href="http://www.fogoislandinn.ca/"target=_blank">fogoislandinn.ca</a><br />